Emmanuel Okoro doesn’t take his journey and industry achievements for granted. As the founder of Emmy Kasbit, a leading unisex fashion brand based in Lagos, Nigeria, he’s been steadily developing his label to the industry’s highest rankings for the past decade. The designer admits that working in fashion has been a surreal experience since launching Emmy Kasbit in 2014 without formal training.
This year, Okoro celebrates the brand’s 10th anniversary in style with multiple collaborations and showcases. Okoro attributes this success to his family and friends. “I’ve got the best support system,” he declares, speaking from Lagos. “And that keeps me going.”
For spring/summer 2025, the designer presents his grandest collection so far, consisting of 40 unique men’s and womenswear looks presented over two events in Lagos. The energy of this collection from the colours down to the materials is different from his previous ones. Named Recollection, the offering is based on styles from past seasons redesigned in new colourways and fabrications. “This season we wanted to look back at the archives,” Okoro explains. “The collection is an ode to my journey and the message is gratitude,” one of the many lessons he’s learned.
The designer reveals that the last few years have been about experimentation and exploring new ways of reinventing his signature style to appeal to a wider audience. In addition to the tailored garments crafted from traditional Akwete textiles produced in the Southeastern region of his country that the luxury brand is synonymous with, he’s also incorporated less formal items such as casual sets, lounging separates, and occasion dressing into his range.
Until now, Okoro had mainly used Akwete fabrics. This time however, he introduces storied Akwete motifs that are printed on other materials like silk alongside illustrious silk jacquards crafted in India by local artisans and intricately embroidered to perfection and athleisure-inspired shorts with deep slits inspired by his fitness journey and what he describes as the current fitness wave in Nigeria. It’s a deliberate approach by the designer to diversify his offering with softer and more fluid fabrics and styles.
Other collaborations include footwear brands Shekudo and Kiing Daviids and the textile brand Niam 311 which provided tie-dye materials. “I believe in the power of collaboration”, he confesses mid-conversation, when I pose a question about his collaboration process. “When you work together with other artisans and designers the message is more impactful,” he adds.
This spirit of working with others also drives his mission at the Emmy Kasbit Initiative, an organisation he co-founded with his business partner Daniel Olurin to empower the next generation of artisans. After opening his first atelier and flagship store in Nigeria, Okoro is mapping his next steps: a London location where he plans to open a second base.
